Determination of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential of the leaves and fruits of Vitex Agnus-Castus l. (Chaste tree)

Vitex agnus-castus L. (Chaste tree), is a plant which is native of Meditteranean region and widely used in treatments for woman urogenital system diseases. In this thesis study, the phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential of fruit and leaves of the Vitex agnus-castus L. (Chaste tree) were determined. Plant samples collected from Urla, Icmeler region were used for quantitative studies based on the methods from European Pharmacopoeia. Aditionally, results obtained from leave and fruit extracts were compared with a commercial preparate containing the fruit extract of Chaste tree. Total phenolic compounds and flavonoids of the extracts were determined spectroscopically. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid and rutin, which are thought to be responsible for its antioxidant activity were determined by HPLC-DAD method. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by DPPH radical scavenging method. In all analysis, the effect of the extraction method and the herbal drugs prepared either from leaves and fruits were examined comparatively. According to the results, extracts of the leaves were found to be rich in flavonoids, and accordingly showing higher antioxidant activity than fruit extracts.